Several functions of the Real Time Edge Processing Unit developed by the Northrop Research and Technology Center have been found to be directly applicable to certain visual automation problems. In the manufacturing of Advanced Composite Graphite assemblies, the following visual tasks are very time consuming and difficult for humans to accurately quantify: • epoxy impregnated graphite (prepreg) material quality evaluation as material is unrolled • accuracy and quality of the cut edge of prepreg • determination of direction of graphite fibers in cut plys • detection of correct ply (size and shape) for pick-up • accurate placement of each ply on a tool • inspection of assembly during lay-up • radiographic inspection of completed assemblies. This paper discusses the application of real time grey scale level slicing and gradient edge extraction to the above problems. Experimental results are also given.